The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1887-04-02
GOLD ABE" AS A CHESS.
PLAYER.
Luckily Called Away from n Game Mt
which SIC Was Getting Beaten.


yesterday.
Nothing of moment that lawyer
can be allowed TO tell, you know" was
the reply. "But, reading the life of
Abraham Lincoln, which l have just
finished, has recalled pleasant recol-
lection of that remarkable man in early
life. am perhaps the only man in
Cincinnati who ever played chess with
him."
How did that happen and where?'
"Well, in the late summer in 1859,
having launched upon professional life,
had an attack of western fever,
and went 10 spy out the young and
growing cities to select location.
ave started homeward from St.
Joseph, NJ, on morning train. Soon
from the rear of the ear commenced
uprorious peals of jolly laughter, con-
nected with storytelling, which con
tinued at intervals all-day, and kept
everybody wide awake and in good
humor with all about them.
~ groupe of sunburnt, swarthy,
and plain looking men was the cause
of all this uproar, which continued till
we reached Hannibal, on the Missippi
river, and everybody wondered who
these jolly good fellows could be. My
wife and | went TO hotel 20 wait for
downward steamer, and, going TO the
parlor, produced our little set of chess
men, adapted for travellers use, both
being fond Of the game, and sat down
TO while away the time. After playing
while heard somebody quietly enter
and looking up saw tall. queer look
ing gentleman approaching whom | at
once recognized as the leader Of the
tremendous fun, he said he would
watch the game if we were willing,
and Of course, we made him welcome.
Dir ely he said the lady needed his
help and had / any objections to his
advising her? None being offered he
joined forces against me, but managed
TO win.
"Then my wife, rising, insisted the
stranger should play with me. After
some TeIuctan he gathered his gang
lion limbs under the table, and we
went at il in earnest. He played well,
ana. having fair chance 10 study him
as he sat opposite, noted the wonder
full combination Of peculiar character
istics in his head and face, which after
ward became SO familiar 20 the Amer
lean people, either by seeing the man
himself or his never wearying portraits,
and | concluded he must be person
of some importance, whoever he was.
We talked more than the rules allow
as the game vent on, and his face
would illuminate in wonderful way
whenever he made good point against
me. Suddenly the shrill whistle OF a
steamer sounded, and my opponent
sprang 10 his feet. That is the Alton
boat, and | must GO We both urged
him TO stay and finish the game, but
he va5 immovable, and declared he
could not remain longer.
standing and looking over the game
moment he said: you would soon
beat me anyhow, | believe, but re-
member how it stands and we will
some days meet and finish it,
Agreed, was the answer. Il shall
remember
"Then be inquired our name, and |
in turn ask for his.
Lincoln, was MS answer.
" u. ncoln, OF lllinOisy'
Yes. that's what they call me.
what! Are you the man who, in
debate with Douglas all over the state.
has turned the people nearly crazy all
summer
''He laughed loud, hearty, joyous
laugh, and said: well, they call me
Abe Lincoln, and we have had a lively
time over there with Douglas. | was
worn out and went way of into the
northwest to hunt buffalo awhile, and
met with those friends of mine OH the
car. one OF whom Is Baker, Secretary
of State of Illinois, and we are just
getting home
"lIow little he dreamed of what was
before him when playing that little
game And how far from his thoughts
that be would for four dreadful years
have 20 be the chief player In that
great game for the unity OF the Amer
lean people, wherein he found foemen
who taxed his great abilities 10 the
very utmost. My recollections of that
brief meeting have always been most
pleasant. Peace TO his ashes. Gin
cinnai Enquirer.